Presidential candidates report generally smooth voting process

Presidential candidates contesting the 2025 General and Regional Elections described the voting process as generally smooth. Many were among the first citizens to cast their ballots at their respective polling stations, which opened at 06:00 am this morning.
A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Leader, Aubrey Norton, was the first to vote at the Plaisance Secondary School, East Coast Demerara. He noted that apart from objecting to the placement of the voting booth—which, he said, prevented scrutineers from seeing the body of the voter—the process appeared “normal.” His objection, he also related concerned persons using cell phones during the voting process. Norton described these elections as “critical,” noting that it is the first General and Regional elections since Guyana began receiving oil revenues, and therefore presents an opportunity to channel these funds to the Guyanese people.

We Invest in Nationhood’s (WIIN) Presidential Candidate, Azruddin Mohamed, described the process as a “bit slow.” He voted at the Eccles Nursery School, East Bank Demerara, where he said it took him 30 minutes before casting his ballot. The WIIN leader expressed hope that the process would speed up as the day progressed, given the large number of persons expected to vote.

Alliance for Change (AFC) Presidential Candidate, Nigel Hughes, described his voting experience as “flawless,” despite a brief power outage that caused the polling station to become uncomfortably warm. Hughes, who voted alongside his wife Cathy in Providence, East Bank Demerara, also commented on the attack on Joint Services members, who came under fire from the Venezuelan side of the border while escorting Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) officials with ballots along the Upper Cuyuni River. He stressed that Guyana must be prepared for various acts by Venezuela in its bid to destabilise the country.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who cast his ballot in Leonora, West Coast Demerara, alongside his wife Arya Ali, also condemned the attack on the Guyanese military and GECOM officials. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Presidential Candidate said the situation is deeply concerning, given the various advances made by Venezuela in recent months.
“The security forces are on full alert,” the President assured. He emphasised that, given the government’s heavy investment in the military, Guyana’s armed forces have the strength and equipment to counter Venezuela’s threats and connections. Nonetheless, he urged supporters to exercise their democratic right by coming out to vote in this final leg of the electoral journey.

Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) Presidential Candidate, Amanza Walton-Desir, voted at the Eccles Community Centre, East Bank Demerara. On her Facebook page, she claimed issues regarding the misnaming of polling stations and difficulties faced by voters in locating them.

“To be honest the GECOM staff is literally scurrying back and forth.” She added that it was not a case of staff being unhelpful, but claimed that they did not have the necessary information.
Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP) Presidential Candidate, Dr. Simona Charles Broomes, also reported challenges when she voted in Bartica, Region Seven. On her Facebook Live, she said polling stations lacked clear signage and the facilities were poorly set up.